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Abstract:

A flexible planar carrier bears an aerosol-producing fire extinguishing
composition. The carrier can be an integral part of the composition when
saturated with a solution that, upon combustion of the prepared carrier,
produces fire extinguishing aerosol, or can bear the composition,
providing structural support and/or thermal insulation, depending on
requirements of the specific application. The carrier may have a thermal
insulating layer applied on the mounting side, insulating the mounting
surface and the prepared material, and may further have a hydrophobic
layer applied at least on its active surface. The flexible planar carrier
enables a stable, workable application of the composition to be easily
deployed along any planar surface, providing instant low-impact
extinguishment of flames over a wide area.

Claims:

1. A fire extinguishing material comprising a flexible planar carrier
bearing at least an aerosol-producing fire extinguishing composition, the
composition comprising: nitrates and/or perchlorates of alkili metals,
combined with fuel such as iditol or cellulose, other aerosol producing
fire extingushing agents or a combination thereof wherein the carrier
comprises a stable planar matrix as a composition reinforcement, or a
flammable medium capable of sorbing the oxidizers, or a combination
thereof and the composition is prepared in stages as a solution, paste,
or spray, in sheet form, as a particulate, or any other form allowing
even distribution of the aerosol producing agent over the area of the
carrier.

2. The fire extinguishing material of claim 1, wherein the composition
impregnates the carrier by saturation, is spread thereon, sprayed
thereon, fixed thereon by stapling, adhesive, stitching, or other means
of attachment, or mechanically worked into the structure of the carrier
by pressing or other procedure.

3. The fire extinguishing material of claim 1, wherein the composition
further comprises fuel or binding fuel such as, for example, coal powder
or starch, or other performance additives such as dicyandiamide,
melamine, iron or copper nitrates, or a combination thereof.

4. The fire extinguishing material of claim 1, wherein the carrier is
further coated on a side to be mounted to a surrounding surface by a
thermal insulating layer.

5. The fire extinguishing material of claim 1, wherein the carrier is
further coated with a hydrophobic layer applied on its active surface, or
on both its active surface and mounting surface.

6. The fire extinguishing material of claim 4, wherein the carrier is
further coated with a hydrophobic layer applied on its active surface, or
on both its active surface and over the thermal insulating layer on its
mounting surface.

7. The fire extinguishing material of claim 1, wherein the carrier is
multiple layers of the treated carrier are stacked together following
treatment with the aerosol fire extinguishing composition, prior to
installation or any additional coating procedures.

8. The fire extinguishing material of claim 1, wherein dispersal of the
extinguishing composition is triggered by combustion of the flexible
planar carrier.

9. The fire extinguishing material of claim 1, wherein dispersal of the
extinguishing composition is triggered by ignition of a thermal fuse
attached to the flexible planar carrier.

10. The fire extinguishing material of claim 1, wherein dispersal of the
extinguishing composition is triggered by activation of an electrical
fuse attached to the flexible planar carrier.

11. A fabrication method for a fire extinguishing material, comprising:
preparing a first part of the fire extinguishing aerosol producing
composition, comprising nitrates or chlorates, and permanganates or
perchlorates for the alkali metals or other oxidizers, or a combination
thereof, and a second part, comprising iditol or cellulose with starch or
other fuel components or a combination thereof; wherein the composition
is prepared as a solution, paste, spray, particulate, planar sheet unit,
or any other form allowing even distribution of the aerosol producing
agent over the area of the carrier; wherein part one or the entire
composition is applied to a flexible planar carrier by saturation,
spreading, spraying, mechanical infusion, or fixing, corresponding to the
configuration of the composition and the chosen carrier; and the prepared
material is readied for installation.

12. The fabrication method for a fire extinguishing material of claim 11,
wherein, prior to application of the composition to the carrier, fuel or
binding fuel such as, for example, coal powder or starch, or additives
such as dicyandiamide or melamine and iron or copper nitrates or other
performance additives, or a combination thereof are added to the
composition.

13. The fabrication method for a fire extinguishing material of claim 11,
wherein, following application of the composition to the carrier,
multiple layers of the treated carrier are stacked together.

14. The fabrication method for a fire extinguishing material of claim 11,
wherein, following application of the composition to the carrier, a
thermal insulating layer is applied to the mounting face of the treated
carrier.

15. The fabrication method for a fire extinguishing material of claim 13,
wherein, following application of the composition to the stacked treated
carrier, a thermal insulating layer is applied to the mounting face of
the stacked treated carrier.

16. The fabrication method for a fire extinguishing material of claim 11,
wherein, following application of the composition to the carrier, a
hydrophobic protection layer is applied to the active face of the treated
carrier, or to both the active face and the mounting face of the treated
carrier.

17. The fabrication method for a fire extinguishing material of claim 13,
wherein, following application of the composition to the stacked treated
carrier, a hydrophobic protection layer is applied to the active face of
the stacked treated carrier, or to both the active face and the mounting
face of the stacked treated carrier.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Disclosure

[0002] The disclosure relates to fire extinguishing in general, and,
specifically, to a fire-extinguishing composition carried on a flexible
planar carrier and method of fabricating the same.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Fire-extinguishing aerosols characterized by the presence of
specifically formulated substances containing potassium nitrates and/or
perchlorates as an oxidizer and supplier of the main fire-extinguishing
agent, and binding fuels of plasticized and non-plasticized polymers,
capable of transitioning to viscous or flexible state under the influence
of thermal or/and mechanical nature have gained considerable attention in
recent years. Among such binding fuels, phenol-formaldehyde and epoxy
resins, polyvinyl butyral, cellulose ethers, and rubber are well known.

[0005] These aerosols, applied in a variety of environments, offer
numerous advantages. In addition to superior extinguishing capabilities
for open fire, the aerosols require no central system to operate, being
independently deployable. Unlike sprinkler systems or foaming agents, the
aerosols, having doused the flames, present no residual damage to
furnishings, fixtures, or valuable mechanical and electronic assets.
Further, compared to gas extinguishing methods, aerosols require no
pressurized container and are significantly less costly.

[0006] The aerosols, in addition, provide the choice between remote
deployment or automatic triggering in the environment.

[0007] Despite the stated advantages, however, some limitations remain.
Aerosol producing fire extinguishing devices are traditionally contained
in metal canisters or other bulky housings, with cooling agents,
additional parts such as screens, spacers, and other parts, contributing
significantly to the extinguishing device's overall size and weight.
Canisters or other housings of the aerosol require not only requisite
space for positioning, but more importantly, modification of the original
design of the protected area to provide stable mounting hardware. In
addition, the effective area of material deployment is relatively limited
by the directional nature of the agent's dispersal. Hence, use of the
aerosols in areas with limited space, strict limitations on design
modification, or spaces presenting spacial abstractions, such as vehicle
engine compartments or areas containing electrical and or/electronic
equipment, may be impractical or impossible.

[0008] Thus, what is called for is a solution addressing the described
limitations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention can be more fully understood by reading the
subsequent detailed description and examples with references made to the
accompanying drawing, wherein:

[0010] FIG. 1 is a detailed cross section showing a portion of an
exemplary fire extinguishing material as disclosed;

[0011] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross section showing a portion of another
exemplary fire extinguishing material as disclosed;

[0012] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a fabrication method for a fire
extinguishing material as disclosed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The disclosure provides a fire extinguishing material and a
fabrication method thereof.

[0014] The fire extinguishing material as disclosed comprises a flexible
planar carrier bearing at least an aerosol-producing fire extinguishing
composition. The composition retains all the standard fire extinguishing
capabilities known in the art to be exhibited by such compounds.

[0015] Constituent materials of the composition can include, but are not
limited to, nitrates and/or perchlorates of the alkali metals, and
cellulose with starch or iditol (phenol-formaldehyde resin). Numerous
aerosol producing fire extingushing agents are applicable to the
application as long as they constitute fuel (can also be binding fuel)
and oxidizer (chemical compounds generating free oxygen when heated).
Other constituents can be added to the composition to meet the needs of
specific applications, such as cooling agents (dicyandiamide or melamine,
for example), and combustion catalysts such as iron (III) or copper
nitrates and additional fuel source such as coal powder or starch.

[0016] Effective protection is provided by a flexible planar carrier
bearing the composition.

[0017] In a fire extinguishing material as disclosed, the carrier can be a
hydrophilic flammable medium such as a textile of natural fibers such as
cotton, paper, cardboard, or other material capable of absorbing the
oxidizers and combusting. During deployment the carrier itself acts as an
essential component of the aerosol producing composition as its fuel.

[0018] Alternatively, the carrier can be a planar matrix and the
aerosol-producing fire extinguishing composition further comprises both
fuel and oxygen generating components. In this embodiment, the carrier
used provides a stable base for composition and serves as an integral
structural component. The carrier in this embodiment may further exhibit
thermal insulating properties, such as felt of silicon fibers, basalt
wool, or any other fibrous mineral insulating material. If desired, the
prepared material can serve as a thermal insulating agent for the
environment of application.

[0019] The composition can be prepared as a solution, in which the carrier
is immersed to achieve saturation, as a paste form, spread over the
carrier, or as a spray to coat the carrier. The composition can further
be manufactured in sheet form and fixed to the carrier by stapling,
adhesive, stitching, or other means of attachment. As well, the
composition can be mechanically worked into the structure of the carrier
by pressing or other procedure. Finally, the composition can be prepared
in any other form that allows even distribution of the aerosol producing
agent over the surface of the carrier.

[0020] It should be noted that the flexible planar carrier prepared as
disclosed can comprise bulk yardage lots of the desired carrier, or,
alternatively, pieces precut and shaped according to the specific needs
of the intended environment.

[0021] In addition, the carrier can further be coated on a side to be
mounted to a surrounding surface by a thermal insulating layer,
preventing the applied composition from loss of heat, and the mounting
surface from permanent damage from the heat of combustive deployment.

[0022] As well, the finished carrier may further be applied with a
hydrophobic layer applied at least on its active surface, thereby
protecting the extinguishing composition from degrading moisture and
physical impact.

[0023] The applied hydrophobic layer can further serve to modify or manage
the ignition temperature of the applied composition. If the hydrophobic
agent's combustion temperature is below that of the composition, such as
if nitrocellulose lacquer is used, applied hydrophobic layer serves as an
actual thermal fuse, igniting the composition at a temperature lower than
it would otherwise. Alternatively, if the applied hydrophobic layer
combustion temperature is higher than that of the composition, it
elevates the temperature point at which the composition can ignite. The
hydrophobic agent used need not necessarily be combustible as long as it
is easily degradable by fire and/or high temperature, such as, for
example, aluminum foil, in the case of which ambient temperature must
reach 500° C., at which point the foil melts, exposing the aerosol
producing composition for deployment.

[0024] It should be noted that the carrier can be folded on itself,
thereby increasing the amount of aerosol deployed in a given area.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a detailed cross section showing a portion of an
exemplary fire extinguishing material as disclosed, in which a single
layer of carrier 10 is covered by a hydrophobic layer 11 applied on its
active surface A, and a second hydrophobic layer 12 and a thermal
insulating layer 13 on a side to be mounted B.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a detailed cross section showing a portion of another
exemplary fire extinguishing material as disclosed, in which multiple
layers of carrier 20 are covered by a hydrophobic layer 21 applied on its
active surface AA, and a second hydrophobic layer 22 and a thermal
insulating layer 23 on a side to be mounted BB.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a fabrication method for a fire
extinguishing material as disclosed.

[0028] As shown, In Step 100, a pre-measured amount of oxidizer is
prepared, comprising, for example, potassium or sodium nitrates and/or
perchlorates. Other constituents can be added to the composition to meet
the needs of specific applications, such as cooling agents (ditsiandiamid
or melemine, for example), constituting a Part 1 of the composition.

[0029] It is determined whether the carrier provides requisite
combustibility. If so, Step 101 is implemented, and, if not, Step 102 is
implemented, in which at least fuel components are added to the
composition. The composition can be prepared as a solution, paste, spray,
particulate, a planar sheet unit or other configuration suitable to the
chosen carrier that allows even distribution of the aerosol producing
agent over the area of the carrier.

[0030] In Step 101, the composition is applied to the carrier, by
saturation, spreading, spraying, mechanical infusion, fixing, or other
method corresponding to the configuration of the composition and the
chosen carrier.

[0031] It is determined whether a single layer of the carrier provides
sufficient aerosol to the intended deployment area. If not, Step 103 is
implemented, in which multiple layers of the treated carrier are stacked
together, and, if so, it is determined whether thermal insulation between
the material and the intended mounting surface is required. If so, Step
104 is implemented, in which a thermal insulating layer is applied to the
mounting face of the treated carrier. Further, it is determined whether
hydrophobic protection is required. If not, Step 106 is implemented, and,
if so, Step 105 is implemented, in which a hydrophobic protection layer
is applied to the active face of the treated carrier, or to both the
active face and the mounting face of the treated carrier and Step 106 is
implemented.

[0032] In Step 106, the prepared material is readied for installation.

[0033] In use, the finished fire extinguishing material can be fixed to
surfaces enclosing the area to be protected. Depending on the required
coverage, a single application fixed to the top inner surface of the
area, such as the inside of an engine hood or inside of the door of an
electrical fuse or breaker box, may provide sufficient protection.
Alternatively, additional application of the material to surrounding
sidewall surfaces and even a floor, can be employed, for increased
coverage. If the configuration of the elements to be protected is
suitable, the carrier can even be wrapped around actual elements.

[0034] In keeping with the known behavior of such aerosol-producing fire
extinguishing compositions, the extinguishing composition is deployed
when it ignites and the aerosol is dispersed. Alternatively, a thermal
fuse attached to any portion of the installed carrier can implement
dispersal. Further, an electrical fuse attached to any portion of the
installed carrier and controlled from a remote location can allow
controlled dispersal of the aerosol.

[0035] The fire extinguishing material as disclosed, comprising a flexible
planar carrier bearing an aerosol-producing fire extinguishing
composition, provides workable application of the composition to be
easily deployed along any planar surface, providing instant low-impact
extinguishment of flames over a wide surface area in enclosed areas where
deployment of other extinguisher types is unavailable.

[0036] While the invention has been described by way of example and in
terms of preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention
is not limited thereto. To the contrary, it is intended to cover various
modifications and similar arrangements (as would be apparent to those
skilled in the art). Therefore, the scope of the appended claims should
be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such
modifications and similar arrangements.